In an age when the media needs to create glamorous but fictitious personalities, many a genuine character of the discipline goes down the proverbial drain. This is the precise misery of Indian cricket. If some shameless BCCI officials can still churn out a recipe from this tragic situation which allows them to flourish unashamedly, then let us try stop moaning about the state of Indian cricket.In a recent TV chat with Kapil Dev, I was made to believe that Indian cricket had not deteriorated but the Australians had made rapid advances. Not a bad observation from a coach who is struggling to convince himself - (more importantly his dear wife) if his decision to take charge was a calculated move. Now, with the South Africans literally taming the Indian lion in its own den, I wonder what is spurring Kapil's personal motivation!In Mumbai, Kapil's request to avail of Roger Binny's services had viable credentials. But it was brushed aside ruthlessly. Whoever said Indians lack killer instinct is not familiar with our cricket officials. The players are being terrorised right from the top to bottom. I have seen Indian internationals behave like mute slaves at the sight of an upstart of a cricket official.In closer proximity, I find youngsters in Delhi and Punjab (just to name two units of the BCCI) being treated like errand boys by the authorities. Cricket for one was the greatest character builder, of the players that is. Try selling the God-sent injunction to any cricket official in India and you would be decried as an outcaste straightaway. The rise and fall of Indian cricket is a long story with much happening behind the scenes.I am aware that as an outlaw I have treaded on quite a few toes in the past. But let me add hastily that I think I know the game well enough to believe that no work which aims for an honest analysis of Indian cricket can possibly do any harm ultimately.Cricket is too all-embracing for the modern generation. And if there are lessons to be learnt from the past, now is the time to stem the rot. When Indian cricket finds itself in a world of nightmare, considering India's recent deplorable exploits, it would be understandable if more people like Tendulkar owned up moral responsibility and stepped down from pompous posts. Honestly, I don't wish to whip up any sensationalist stuff. But I am convinced that all lovers of cricket in India must unite and start a movement to clean up the mess that is Indian cricket.The atmosphere of mistrust cannot and should not be tolerated any more. As of now, there is no trust or understanding between players and players; between players and officials; between players and the media; between officials and officials; between committees and sub-committees. Anything and everything scandalous is now associated with Indian cricket - the latest being the alleged VDIS declaration by an ex-Test captain.The glorious uncertainty of cricket is becoming far too predictable even for a hardcore supporter like yours truly. But I have no desire to preach. All I seek is a conscientious indulgence of cricket playing fraternity to get on a common platform of freedom - of speech and expression.One of the strongest arguments against the present lot of the BCCI is that it breeds hatred and malice with consequent reprisals. The competitive edge on the field can be seen fading. The gloom is such as can be plucked from the Indian dressing room. Need we say more to revive our own conscience? Much confusion has already been caused by a large number thinking they are indispensable to Indian cricket. Well, the cemeteries are full of such thick-headed arrogants.Wake up all you cricket paying public and stop fattening the unaccountable bank balances of the BCCI. To the players my message is simple: If you fail you get the brickbats; and if you succeed the officials grab the bouquets. Remember ``Divide and rule'' has always been the strength of our officials. Yes ``divide'' they surely do. It is the ``ruling'' that rankles. Take your pick.
